The Greatest Hungarian, Argentinian "Historical fiction" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Hungarian

Argentinian

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. Fateless by Imre Kertész

    "Fateless" is a harrowing account of a Hungarian Jewish boy's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The protagonist is sent to Auschwitz, then Buchenwald, and finally to a factory in Zeitz, enduring brutal conditions and witnessing unimaginable horrors. Despite his experiences, he maintains a detached, almost indifferent perspective, focusing on the mundane aspects of life in the camps, which further highlights the absurdity and horror of the situation. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the arbitrary nature of fate.

    The 686th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Embers by Sandor Marai

    "Embers" is a novel about two old friends who reunite after being apart for 41 years. The story takes place in a secluded castle in the Carpathian Mountains, where the two men confront each other about a long-kept secret that has kept them apart. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and betrayal, while exploring the intricate dynamics of human relationships. The novel is a poignant examination of the nature of time and memory, and the ways in which they can shape and define our lives.

    The 722nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Don Segundo Sombra by Ricardo Güiraldes

    This classic Argentine novel is a coming-of-age story set in the Pampas, focusing on the life of a young orphan who finds guidance and mentorship under the wing of a seasoned gaucho named Segundo Sombra. Through his experiences in the vast landscapes of rural Argentina, the protagonist learns the values of courage, responsibility, and freedom, embodying the gaucho spirit. The narrative, rich in poetic imagery and symbolism, explores themes of identity, tradition, and the passage into adulthood, offering a deep reflection on the essence of Argentine culture and the timeless bond between man and nature.

    The 1133rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels by Agota Kristof

    "The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

    The 1298th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Journey by Moonlight by Antal Szerb

    "Journey by Moonlight" tells the story of a newlywed Hungarian couple, Mihály and Erzsi, who honeymoon in Italy. Mihály, however, is haunted by his past and becomes increasingly obsessed with his adolescent years, his old friends, and a mysterious brother and sister. This results in him abandoning Erzsi in order to embark on a strange and dark journey of self-discovery. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

    The 1350th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Eclipse of the Crescent Moon by Géza Gárdonyi

    "Eclipse of the Crescent Moon" is a historical novel set in the 16th century, during the time of the Ottoman Empire's siege on the Hungarian fortress of Eger. The story follows a brave young boy named Gergely, who grows up to be a heroic soldier defending his homeland. The tale is filled with romance, adventure, and provides a detailed depiction of medieval life, warfare, and the heroic resistance of the Hungarian people against the invading Ottoman forces.

    The 1554th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Martín Fierro by José Hernández

    "Martín Fierro" is an epic poem that tells the story of a gaucho, or Argentine cowboy, who is forcibly recruited to fight against indigenous tribes. He returns to find his home destroyed and his family gone, leading him to become an outlaw. The narrative explores themes of Argentine identity, the conflict between civilization and nature, and the injustices suffered by the gauchos. It is recognized as a foundational work of Argentine literature.

    The 1619th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Los lanzallamas by Roberto Arlt

    "Los lanzallamas" is a novel set in Buenos Aires in the 1920s, revolving around the lives of a group of characters who are marginalized by society. The protagonist, a failed inventor turned anarchist, is manipulated into participating in a plot to overthrow the government and establish a new social order. The plot fails, leading to tragic consequences for the characters involved. The novel explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the struggle for individual freedom in a repressive society.

    The 2363rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Celestial Harmonies by Peter Esterhazy

    "Celestial Harmonies" is a historical novel that tells the story of the aristocratic Esterházy family, tracing their lineage from the late Middle Ages to the present day. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part featuring a series of vignettes about the family's ancestors, while the second part focuses on the experiences of the narrator's father under the Communist regime in Hungary. The novel is characterized by its intricate structure, complex themes, and lush, poetic language, offering a rich exploration of Hungarian history, family dynamics, and the human condition.

    The 2369th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Witness by Juan José Saer

    "The Witness" is a novel that explores the life of a young European boy who is the only survivor of a shipwreck in the 16th century. He is found and raised by a tribe of Indians in South America, where he spends ten years of his life. The boy is eventually found by a band of Spanish conquistadors and returns to Europe, where he becomes a well-respected scholar. The story unfolds as the man, now in his 90s, recounts his experiences and struggles to reconcile his European identity with his decade-long immersion in the tribal culture.

    The 3032nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Wandering Unicorn by Manuel Mujica Lainez

    "The Wandering Unicorn" is a historical fantasy novel that weaves a tapestry of medieval legends, chivalric adventures, and magical realism. It follows the journey of a young unicorn who, under the guise of a beautiful page, seeks to protect Melusine, a cursed fairy who is half-woman, half-serpent. Set against the backdrop of the Crusades, the narrative intertwines the unicorn's quest for redemption and love with a rich cast of characters, including knights, sorcerers, and mythical creatures. The story delves into themes of immortality, transformation, and the enduring power of myth, all while painting a vivid picture of a bygone era filled with enchantment and intrigue.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Paul Street Boys by Ferenc Molnár

    The book is a classic coming-of-age tale set in Budapest, Hungary, at the turn of the 20th century. It follows a group of adolescent boys who are engaged in a territorial battle over a vacant lot they call the "grund," which they use as their playground. The story highlights themes of loyalty, camaraderie, and the struggles of youth as the boys defend their cherished space against a rival group. The narrative focuses on the experiences of the protagonist, who is faced with difficult moral choices and the harsh realities of growing up, as the boys' conflict mirrors the larger social and economic tensions of their time.

    The 4122nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Man With The Golden Touch by Mór Jókai

    The novel revolves around the life of a man who, after a series of fortunate events, discovers a secret method to turn lead into gold, leading to immense wealth and the title of 'The Man with the Golden Touch'. However, his newfound riches bring him more misery than happiness, as he grapples with the corrupting influence of money, the envy and greed of those around him, and the realization that true value lies not in material wealth but in love and human relationships. His journey is a cautionary tale about the moral and emotional consequences of unchecked avarice and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of more meaningful aspects of life.

    The 4126th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Baron's Sons by Mór Jókai

    "The Baron's Sons" is a historical novel set in the backdrop of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, which follows the diverging paths and ideologies of three aristocratic brothers. As the nation struggles for independence from Habsburg rule, the brothers find themselves torn between loyalty to their noble heritage and the revolutionary cause. Their personal conflicts and romances intertwine with the larger political turmoil, painting a vivid picture of a family caught in the crossfire of rebellion, loyalty, and national identity. The novel explores themes of honor, betrayal, and the complexities of patriotism during a pivotal moment in Hungarian history.

    The 4140th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Be Faithful Unto Death by Zsigmond Móricz

    The novel is a poignant coming-of-age story set in a Hungarian boarding school at the turn of the 20th century. It follows the life of a young boy from a poor family who earns a scholarship to attend the prestigious institution. His journey is marked by the struggle to fit in among wealthier peers, the harsh discipline of school authorities, and the challenges of adolescence. When a valuable violin goes missing, he is unjustly accused of theft, leading to a profound examination of morality, integrity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice and hardship.

    The 4142nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. A Funtineli Boszorkány by Albert Wass

    The novel is a sweeping historical saga set in Transylvania, focusing on the life of a young peasant girl who, despite her humble origins and the tumultuous times, rises to become a powerful figure in her community. Possessing an indomitable spirit and a mysterious gift that some consider witchcraft, she navigates the complex social hierarchies and political upheavals of her era, becoming both revered and feared. Her journey is marked by love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of her destiny, as she becomes entwined with the fates of the villagers and the land itself, reflecting the broader struggles and resilience of the human spirit.

    The 4150th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. They Were Counted by Miklos Banffy

    This novel, set in the twilight years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, weaves a tale of aristocratic decadence, political intrigue, and personal downfall. It follows two cousins, navigating the treacherous waters of high society, politics, and love in Transylvania and Budapest. Through their eyes, the reader experiences the lavish balls, the rural estates, and the corridors of power, all set against the backdrop of an empire on the brink of collapse. The story masterfully portrays the complex interplay between personal ambitions, romantic entanglements, and the shifting sands of political alliances, capturing the essence of a bygone era with vivid detail and emotional depth.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Give Me Back My Mountains by Albert Wass

    "Give Me Back My Mountains" is a poignant historical novel that delves into the struggles and resilience of a Transylvanian noble family during the tumultuous period of World War II and the subsequent communist takeover. The narrative explores themes of loss, identity, and the unyielding human spirit, as the family confronts the confiscation of their ancestral lands and the erosion of their cultural heritage. Through vivid characters and rich descriptions, the book paints a picture of a bygone era, highlighting the personal and collective challenges faced by those who lived through the seismic political shifts of the 20th century in Eastern Europe.

    The 4373rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Santa Evita by Tomás Eloy Martínez

    "Santa Evita" is a fictionalized account of the life and death of Eva Peron, the beloved First Lady of Argentina. The book delves into the mysterious journey of her embalmed corpse which was moved around the world and hidden for 16 years after her death. The narrative, interwoven with historical facts, explores the cult-like fascination and devotion that surrounded her during her life and continues after her death.

    The 4374th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Árvácska by Zsigmond Móricz

    The book is a poignant tale of a young orphan girl navigating the hardships of life in early 20th-century Hungary. Thrust into a world of poverty and struggle, she is passed from one exploitative guardian to another, each more neglectful and abusive than the last. Despite the relentless adversity and the loss of her innocence, the protagonist's resilience and spirit shine through as she endures the cruelties of her existence, searching for a place to call home and a family to love her. The narrative serves as a powerful social commentary on the plight of the vulnerable in a society indifferent to their suffering.

    The 4380th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. St. Peter's Umbrella by Kálmán Mikszáth

    The novel revolves around a quaint Hungarian village where an intricately carved umbrella, believed to have once belonged to Saint Peter, becomes the center of a series of humorous and heartwarming events. When the protagonist, a young curate, inherits the umbrella, it sets off a chain of misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. The story delves into the lives of the village's colorful inhabitants, exploring themes of love, faith, and the search for happiness, all while the umbrella symbolizes the intersection of the divine and the mundane in the daily lives of the villagers.

    The 4390th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Slave Of The Huns by Géza Gárdonyi

    "Slave of the Huns" is a historical novel that transports readers to the tumultuous era of Attila the Hun's reign, seen through the eyes of a Greek captive. The protagonist, a young man of noble birth, is taken as a slave and must navigate the perilous world of the Hunnic Empire, where brutality and barbarism reign supreme. His journey is one of survival, resilience, and adaptation as he witnesses the fearsome power of the Huns, experiences the complexities of their society, and encounters love amidst the chaos of war. The novel blends adventure, romance, and a richly detailed historical backdrop to explore themes of freedom, cultural clash, and the indomitable human spirit.

    The 4393rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Gold Coffin by Ferenc Móra

    "The Gold Coffin" is a historical novel that transports readers to ancient Egypt, where a young scribe named Tuthmes navigates the complexities of life and power in the Pharaoh's court. After discovering a golden coffin that is said to hold great secrets and power, Tuthmes becomes embroiled in a dangerous web of political intrigue and betrayal. As he seeks to uncover the truth behind the coffin and its mystical properties, he must also contend with his own personal ambitions and the moral dilemmas that arise from his quest for knowledge and influence. Set against the richly detailed backdrop of Egyptian culture and mythology, the novel explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the enduring human fascination with immortality.

    The 4413th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. A Fekete Város by Kálmán Mikszáth

    Set in the 19th century Austro-Hungarian Empire, the novel revolves around a young, idealistic engineer who is sent to a small, neglected mining town to oversee the construction of a new project. Upon arrival, he encounters a community steeped in corruption, with a colorful cast of characters who are resistant to change and progress. As he navigates the complexities of local politics and social dynamics, he becomes entangled in the town's dark secrets and the lives of its inhabitants, challenging his principles and ambitions. The story is a blend of satire and social commentary, reflecting on the nature of bureaucracy, the clash between modernity and tradition, and the human condition.

    The 4414th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Kard és Kasza by Albert Wass

    "Kard és Kasza" is a historical novel set in the tumultuous period of 16th-century Hungary, a time when the country is caught in the crossfire of the Ottoman Empire's expansion and the Habsburg's imperial ambitions. The narrative follows the life of a noble Hungarian family, focusing on their struggles, loyalty, and the defense of their homeland against the backdrop of war and political upheaval. The story delves into themes of honor, betrayal, and the complexities of feudal allegiances, painting a vivid picture of the era's social and military fabric through the lens of personal and nationalistic endeavors.

    The 4442nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download